Workflow Management: Manage through volatility

Q. How can O&P and CRT providers manage inventory effectively during ongoing supply chain disruptions?  

A. The key is balancing responsiveness with control. In the face of unpredictable supply chains, many providers either overstock to stay ahead or understock to avoid tying up capital, both of which create risk. The better approach is agile inventory management built on real-time data and smart workflows.  

At Nymbl, we’ve seen that the most successful organizations use demand-driven restocking instead of blanket ordering. That starts with tracking actual usage patterns by product and location. When inventory data is tied directly to patient workflows, you can forecast more accurately and respond quickly when certain items trend up or supply starts to tighten.  

Another best practice is creating alerts for low-stock or delayed items that impact patient care. If a backordered component is essential for a delivery, the team needs to know before the patient appointment is scheduled, not after. That visibility keeps patient experiences smooth and reduces the burden on staff.  

We also recommend integrating vendors directly into the workflow. Having purchasing, inventory and patient order tracking in one system eliminates gaps that can lead to over-ordering or missed items. It also gives you leverage. When you know what you need and when, you can have better conversations with suppliers.  

Ultimately, managing inventory during volatility isn’t about holding more, it’s about holding smarter. The right tools and processes ensure patient needs are met on time, without ballooning overhead or creating waste.  

Josh Lau is CEO of Nymbl Systems. Reach him at josh@nymbl.systems.